Hollyford Valley and Martins Bay - Year 10 Camp 2024

There is much to explore from the divide on the Milford Road. It's a hop, skip and jump over to Lake Wakatipu, a few kilometres down the Greenstone to the Mavora Lakes, and just a short paddle down the Eglinton River to Lake Te Anau.

The Hollyford year 10 camp took a different direction with their week away. We took the road up the valley past the Lake Marian falls track. Passing the now derelict Gunn's Bush Camp, our group took a pleasant walk up the Hollyford Valley. The boys had enough food on board to sink a ship, which they weren't so pleased about at the time. We ventured past the sights including the Hidden Falls and Little Homer Falls to spend the night beside Lake Alabaster. The hut book recorded many past adventures from pack rafters completing the popular Hollyford - Pyke river loop.

Day two was sensational. Hollyford Wilderness Experience provided an exhilarating jet boat ride down the river and across Lake McKerrow. This saved the group from traversing the aptly named "Demon trail" around the lake edge - an extra three days tramping distance covered in a scenic 40 minute boat ride. Prime podocarp forest and West Coast views greeted us during the afternoon. A lagoon swim and fish at Martins Bay hut was the highlight for many students.

Our voluntary service for the Hollyford trust was carried out on day three, with a trip north round the headland towards Big Bay. The boys were resetting lures and gas cylinders on one of the A24 trap lines. Congratulations Charlie Murdoch on finding a dead rat at one of the stations. This track was a true test for the boys with the most mud by far on the trip, and plenty of boulder rock hopping. A short bush bash "shortcut" turned into a wild adventure for our group during the final part of the day, returning to spend the night at Martins Bay hut.

Following the itinerary, the group left on Thursday morning to walk, jet boat, tramp in heavy rain, and drive back to Te Anau downs. Impressive karaoke and fine food defined the final night of Year 10 camp.

Many thanks to the Hollyford Conservation trust and Hollyford Wilderness Experience for providing the logistics and service opportunities for our boys during the week. And a final thanks to the staff team at the Lodge and out on the track - Mr Casey, Mr Brown and Mr Cartwright.